Melanin

Melanin is a pigment found in human skin and eyes. The more melanin in the skin, the darker it becomes. Melanin production is stimulated by exposure to the ultraviolet light of the sun (see also tanning salon). Dark skin provides protection from sunburn and other harmful effects of overexposure to sunlight. Light skin is better able to absorb sunlight and manufacture Vitamin D.

See also[edit]

• skin color